Park in Kent Square Parking Garage and bring the family to enjoy this spectacular new addition to the holidays in Downtown Blacksburg.

Voting for your favorite tree takes place from December 6-21

• Collect your ballot from Kent Jewelers, First Bank of Virginia or Uncommonly Gifted.
• Visit the trees in Kent Square and choose your favorite
• Return your completed ballot to any of the 3 locations & be entered to win PRIZES
• The winning tree will be announced Saturday Dec 21 at 1:30pm at a special reception in Kent Square.
Prize Drawing will take place!

Holiday Trees in Kent Square
Kent Square lobby will be transformed to a Winter Wonderland with 16 decorated trees provided by downtown merchants and non profit groups. Park in Kent Square Parking Garage and bring the family to enjoy this spectacular new addition to the holidays in Downtown Blacksburg.
Voting for your favorite tree takes place from December 6-21

• Collect your ballot from Kent Jewelers, First Bank of Virginia or Uncommonly Gifted.
• Visit the trees in Kent Square and choose your favorite
• Return your completed ballot to any of the 3 locations & be entered to win PRIZES
• The winning tree will be announced Saturday Dec 21 at 1:30pm at a special reception in Kent Square.
Prize Drawing will take place!

Join in the fun as the town celebrates the Winter Lights Festival, with the annual lighting of the tree, parade, and Farmer’s Market happenings. TubaChristmas will make this the best holiday celebration ever! Dr. Andrew Putnam will be our guest conductor. Bring your tubas, euphoniums and all of your friends to downtown Blacksburg on Friday, December 6th, 2013. Participants, please RSVP to ecrone@vt.edu. TubaChristmas is sponsored by Downtown Blacksburg, Inc, the School of Performing Arts, Music | Theatre | Cinema and the Harvey Phillips Foundation.

Merry TubaChristmas is celebrating its 40th Anniversary (1974-2012). Created by Harvey Phillips, Merry TubaChristmas 2013 concerts will be presented in over 200 cities throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. Every Christmas season, tuba and euphonium players of all ages, from specific geographic areas, gather to pay respect – through William J. Bell – to all the great artists/teachers who represent their heritage. Depending on the population of any given geographic area, TUBACHRISTMAS ensembles may attract multiples of 100 participants aged 8 to 85 years! The warm, rich organ-like sound of the tuba-euphonium choir has won the ears and hearts of every audience. It is no wonder that TUBACHRISTMAS is an established Christmas tradition in cities throughout the world.

The Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg encourage shoppers to stay home and enjoy Thanksgiving with family, and maybe even to avoid the craziness of corporate “big box” Black Friday. Instead we suggest coming out and supporting small businesses by buying local on Small Business Saturday.

1) Buy Local — Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms — continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

2) Support community groups: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

3) Keep our community unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun — all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust

4) Reduce environmental impact: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

5) Create more good jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.

6) Get better service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.

7) Invest in community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

8) Put your taxes to good use: Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

9) Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy: A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

10) Encourage local prosperity: A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

Though Blacksburg has a multitude of art galleries downtown, only one is soley managed by students.

XYZ Art Gallery is the student-run gallery located on Main Street. It was founded by Studio Art students 20 years ago as a way to showcase their talent.

“It’s kind of like a safe haven for studio artists to show their work in a public setting,” said Carson Bendel, president of XYZ Art Gallery.

Students control every aspect of the gallery. Faculty advisors give some guidance, but students decide the shows, contact artists and organize events.

“It’s a lot of fun because anything that anyone wants to do, we make it happen,” Bendel said.

Students who wish to submit work do not need to be art majors, and they are also encouraged to participate in running the gallery.

All artists, students or community members, are welcome to submit their work to the gallery for display at any time. The only requirements for a piece of work are for them to be finished and either matted or framed for display.

XYZ displays a variety of art mediums from paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics to new media. Animations have been shown using projectors, and performance art has been showcased occasionally as well.

In addition to displaying visual art, XYZ hosts musical performances, open mic nights, poetry readings and movie nights. The space is transformative, however, and is open to for other types of events as well.

“We had a meditation last semester,” Bendel said. “We’re gonna start doing yoga in the gallery.”

Intermediate yoga classes will be held at the gallery every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. for anyone to participate.

The current show in the gallery is Capital Vices Collection by Meggalif. It was the first show this semester and will be on display during today’s First Friday Art Walk.

“XYZ hadn’t been involved in this event a whole lot in the past,” Bendel said. “But it’s definitely something we’re looking forward to being involved in.”

The first Friday of each month, art galleries in Blacksburg hold an opening for a new artist or exhibit. Laureen Blakemore, director of Events in Downtown Blacksburg, helped organize it into a larger event known as the First Friday Art Walk.

The Art Walk starts at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 8:00 pm.

“The idea was to make it more public, let people know what was going on, and to bring people down into the galleries and stores so they could find out about these great art galleries,” Blakemore said.

Recently the Art Walk changed its format to a self-guided tour. The idea was modeled after a gallery in Ashville, N.C. that Blakemore visited as a part of the Downtown Revitalization Committee.

Brochures for the tour include information about each gallery participating, as well as a map of where each gallery can be found.

“We came back and worked with the Blacksburg Partnership and modeled our brochure on that idea. People can pick that up at any time and know where the galleries are,” Blakemore said.

Brochures are available in downtown stores, the Virginia Tech Visitor’s Center and participating galleries.

Groups of attendees range from families with young children to students to senior citizens.

“It fosters being local and enjoying your downtown,” Blakemore said.

Gallery owners and managers want more people to see and experience the downtown art culture.

“It’s definitely our goal to promote art in the community,” Bendel said. “I just want people to know that XYZ exists and that we’re doing really cool things.”

On Oct. 10, XYZ will open their Sci-Fi and Fantasy show with a reception running from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

A version of this article appeared in the Oct 4 issue of the Collegiate Times.

First Friday Art Walks
Take a self-guided Tour of all of the Gallery Spaces in Blacksburg anytime you like but on the following First Fridays participating Galleries will remain open until 8pm.
Friday October 4
Friday December 6
Gallery Guide & Art Walk brochures available in downtown stores, the Virginia Tech Visitor’s Center and participating galleries. Get details here: http://www.downtownblacksburg.com/art_at_market.aspx

Blacksburg, Va.— Locals of all ages gathered at Henderson Lawn on Wednesday evening, Sept. 26 for the monthly Cash Mob and incorporated Blackburg’s Buy, Eat, Live Local Campaign.

The participants, who included a variety of age groups, consisting of young children to seniors, waited patiently until 6:08 p.m. when the Cash Mob details were announced.

At the right time, Laureen Blakemore, Director of Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. announced that the group would be “mobbing” Mish Mish, a local art supply store, and Cafe de Bangkok, a modern Thai cuisine restaurant. After, the group would join in on the fun at the Crooked Road Presentation at Market Square Jam.

Drumroll Please: Laureen Blakemore, Director of Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. shares to the crowd where they will be venturing to that evening. The Cash Mob visited Mish Mish and later ate at Cafe de Bangkok. Photo by Megan Campbell

Drumroll Please: Laureen Blakemore, Director of Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. shares to the crowd where they will be venturing to that evening. The Cash Mob visited Mish Mish and later ate at Cafe de Bangkok.

Each month, locals meet at a specific location in Downtown Blacksburg, not knowing where they will venture to that evening.

There are only three rules to the Cash Mob. Participants are asked to bring a minimum of $20, meet three new people and have fun.

A unique aspect of Blacksburg’s Cash Mob is that local non-profits are sometimes involved.

This time, the cash mob donated canned food and granola bars to Micah’s Backpack, a non-profit that address children’s hunger issues.

“Micah’s Backpack is Blacksburg’s weekend feeding program for low income kids at the five elementary schools, middle school, high school and two income-based pre-schools,” said Jennie Hodge, Director of Micah’s Backpack. “This is the second time that the Cash Mob has donated to Micah’s Backpack.”

Off They Go: The Cash Mob makes its way to the first stop, Mish Mish, a local art supply store. People of all ages were able to find several things to buy. Photo By Megan Campbell

For many locals, the Buy, Eat, Live Campaign is an important aspect to daily life in Blacksburg.

The monthly cash mob incorporates all three parts of the campaign, simply within a few hours of being downtown.

Cash mobbers are given the opportunity to buy at local stores, eat at local restaurants and are able to enjoy and participate in activities where they live, while giving back to the community.

Artcrawl with Scavenger Hunt
Friday June 7, 5-8pm
FREE and open to all!
Collect Scavenger Hunt form at participating galleries, return completed form to Community Arts Information Office (CAIO) by 8pm. Prizes will be awarded!

Cash Mob
Join us on Thursday, June 27 at 5:38pm
Meet at the Odd Fellows Hall, near Buffalo Wild Wings
We will shop in a locally owned store and then celebrate in a locally owned and operated restaurant. Partnering with Valley Interfaith Chil Care Center. Bring craft supplies such as washable markers, school glue, crayola finger paint, etc to donate to VICCC.
RULES:
Meet 3 new people
Spend $20
Support local businesses
HAVE FUN!!!!

Downtown Cash Mob dates for 2013
June 27- with VICCC
July 16- Ladies Only!
August 13
September 25- with Micah’s Backpacks
October 24- with the YMCA Please join us for the next Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. Cash Mob.

Movies on The Lawn- Presented by the Blacksburg Museum & Cultural Foundation
Thomas Connor House Lawn. 104 Draper Rd
Admission and popcorn are FREE
Bring a blanket or chair and purchase some dinner from a local food vendor prior to the Movie.
Movie starts at dark. Rain date Saturday.
For details call 540-558-0746
Sponsored by The Town of Blacksburg, The National Bank of Blacksburg, First Bank of Virginia, Real Life Dental Care, The Blacksburg Partnership, Dr. Steve Jacobs, Stellar One Bank, First Bank & Trust Co, Rocky Acres, Plott & French Financial Advisors, Christian Insurance Agency, Starshine Events and The Lyric Theatre.
June 14- The Odd Life of Timothy Green
July 12- Paranorman
August 9- Zookeeper

Blacksburg Rescue Squad
Please join us for our annual open house Saturday June 15th from 1pm until 5pm.
There will be a demonstration showing how a victim is removed from a car damaged in an accident using the jaws of life. A real car will be used. There will also be tours of the ambulances and crash trucks. Bring the kids,have a bite to eat and meet members of your local volunteer rescue.
For more details visit: http://www.blacksburgrescue.org/events

Up on the Roof
May 30th, June 27th, July 25th, August 29th and Sept. 26th.
Blacksburg Premier Creative Professional’s mixer. We meet on the last Thursday of every month (April through Sept) on the rooftop of the Kent Square parking lot from 5:30-8pm – it is a happy hour networking social.

Market Square Jam
Blacksburg’s Market Square Jam kicks off the summer 2013 season on Wednesday, June 5. The Jam is a weekly event that takes place Wednesday evenings from 8-11 pm at the site of the Farmers Market on Draper Road. The season will run from June 5 – September 25.
Whether you’re a musician wanting to jam with others or just looking for some great music on a Wednesday night, come out to the Farmers Market and enjoy a great time.
June 5- The Jugbusters
June 12 – Katie and the Bubbatones
June 19 – Sam Linkous and Friends
June 26 – The Happy Hollow String Band
July 10 – Katie and the Bubbatones
July 17 – Sam Linkous and Friends
July 24 – Indian Run String Band
July 31 – Farm Use Only
August 7 – Black Twig Pickers
August 14 – Sam Linkous and Friends

6th annual Summer Solstice Fest
Come have a mid-summer frolic in Downtown Blacksburg on Friday June 21 5-10pm for the Carnival and Saturday, June 22, from one ‘til midnight for the Festival and Carnival.

Art at the Market
Art at the Market 2013will take place on Saturday, July 20, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Once again, this Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. event will be in conjunction with the annual Breakfast at the Farmers Market. Live Music provided by Kat Mills and Eric Lanoue.

Download the 2013 application. Spaces are limited, so be sure to get your application in quickly. Spaces will be assigned based on indicated preference (where possible) and in the order received.

With your participation we hope to make this the biggest and best Art at the Market ever!

Thanks to our Art at the Market Sponsors: Fringe Benefit, Mish Mish and The Community Arts Information Office

33rd Annual Steppin’ Out
August 2-3, 2013 from 10 am until 10 pm.
Steppin’ Out features over 200 artists and crafts people from around the United States selling unique handcrafted items – jewelry, pottery, textiles, metal work, basketry, stained & fused glass, yard art, fine art, furniture, toys, artisan foods and so much more!

WDBJ7
WDBJ7 will be onsite throughout the festival- stop by and see them on the corner of Lee St and Main Street, outside Starbucks!

Cumulus Radio Broadcast Schedule:
WSPK, The Bear & Mix 100.7 will be live onsite throughout the day.

Summer Solstice Fest is a DEQ Certified Virginia Green Event

Treasure Island sponsored by the New River Valley Apartment Council
Come and play in the sand beach next to Starbucks and you might even find a few pieces of eight and a Pirate or Two!

Family Rejuvenation Station sponsored by Rhythm of Birth, and The Sleepytime Teacher

DOWNTOWN SUNDOWN 5K RACE® . This year the race will start and finish on Draper Road in front of the the stage in the heart of the festival! Packet pick-up and race day registration: Begins at 3pm on race day. The registration table is located on the Alexander Black House Lawn on Draper Rd. Race day registration for the event will close promptly at 7:15pm. The race begins at 8:30pm
Race proceeds benefit: Blacksburg Cross Country & Track & Field Programs & Summer Solstice Fest

Heavener Hardware has a long history of serving the town of Blacksburg. Blacksburg Lumber Company started out in the Blacksburg library building on Draper Road before moving to 813 Kabrich Street in 1980. The company became Heavener Hardware and Lumber when David Heavener bought the business in 1983. Current co-owner Charles Woerner starting working there four days later. Current store manager Ed brought Charles to work with him at Heavener. Previously, they were both employed by Basic Hardware (formerly Western Auto). Basic Hardware is no longer around, but used to be located on Main Street in downtown Blacksburg. Obviously, there is a wealth of knowledge and experience to be found at Heavener Hardware that you will not find at the “big box” stores. The prices are also comparable, and the great service adds to the value.

Charles, a 1982 Virginia Tech business management graduate, thinks that in addition to being a great place to have a business, Blacksburg’s overall quality of life can’t be beat! Charles and his wife, a Blacksburg native, decided to stay in Blacksburg because of the great school system, temperate climate, and small town atmosphere; the same attributes that still attract people to the area. Despite the dearth of department store shopping, which has been helped in some respect by the addition of First and Main, Charles believes that the town does a good job helping businesses get noticed and keeping businesses informed of recent developments. New additions to Virginia Tech, such as the new arts center, and downtown improvements such as the College Avenue Promenade project, all contribute to making Blacksburg a progressive community, while still preserving the small town atmosphere that people love so much.

Heavener Hardware’s major affiliation is the True Value brand. True Value is one of the major co-ops in the hardware industry providing buying power while allowing local ownership and autonomy. The store employs 24 people with an average of 16 years of service. Some employees have been in the industry for over 40 years, guaranteeing that if you need expert advice on a project you are sure to get just what you need! The Rental Store offers equipment from hand tools all the way up to Bobcats. Rentals are available from 1 hr to as long as you need the equipment.

Charles Woerner is currently serving as the Board President for Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. He is in his second term on the DBI Board and is an extremely active member of the organization which Heavener joined about 4 years ago. Heavener Hardware has a cardboard compactor available for public use to recycle cardboard as part of the Downtown Blacksburg, Inc. GREEN Initiative.

Heavener Hardware was host to a Cash Mob on Saturday March 9, 2013. For more about our monthly downtown Cash Mobs please visit our facebook page.

Easy Way Packaging Center has been at 610 North Main Street since 1985, when Charlotte Joyce and her husband built the multi-space building and started their business. A fixture on Main Street, Cathy Taylor bought the business in 2005.
Today, Cathy, Charlotte, and long-time employee Daryl, operate the business, which offers mailbox rentals and notary services in addition to packaging and shipping. In fact, Easy Way is the only FedEx shipping location in Blacksburg. However, Cathy would like everyone to know that FedEx is not always the best option in terms of price and delivery time. UPS can offer comparable service and price depending on the destination, and UPS also offers overnight delivery. FedEx pick-up times are 4pm, 5pm, and 5:30pm during the week. An insider tip that might help you is that you do not need to rush to get your package to the store early! No matter how early in the day a package is dropped off at the store, the pick-up times stay the same.

One of the many advantages of shipping with Easy Way, is the safety and security they provide. Each shipment is automatically insured. Although there are rarely problems, if a problem does arise, the team at Easy Way does the work for you to arrive at a solution. Cathy describes herself as a “people person,” and this fact is quite evident. She is warm and friendly, and this comes across in the way she does business. In fact, over the holidays a customer was so impressed when she informed him that he could ship his item at the post office for lower cost, he took to the blogosphere to commend her for her honesty.

Another advantage of shipping with Easy Way is parking. A hard-to-come-by luxury in downtown! There is ample parking available, and they can pull up to the curb to unload. You can bring your package ready to ship, or the team at Easy Way can prepare it for you. They also have all of the supplies available if you choose to do-it-yourself. Operating hours are convenient (10-6 Monday-Friday and 10-2 on Saturdays). What can you ship? Almost anything! From tires to furniture to food, Cathy and her crew have seen it all. There are restrictions of course, and the knowledgeable staff is always there to assist you.